Living in Clapham South
Located just south of Battersea, Clapham South is a small residential area within Clapham, distinguished mainly by its nearby underground station. The local architecture is made up of mostly elegant Victorian terraces, making it one of those quintessentially classic London suburbs. The local station is on the Northern Line, providing locals with superb access to the city, and with terrific local amenities it has a lot to offer boroughs close by.
Established in the 19th century, Clapham common is the beating heart of the area, giving locals somewhere to bask in the sun, play sports, and walk their dogs. The multitude of good schools in the area makes it a favourite for families, especially those who work in the city, but with a large number of bars and cafes in the Clapham area, it's also a favourite with young professionals.
Transport
Tube:
Clapham South to Kings Cross: 25 minutes, Northern and Victoria lines.
Clapham South to Victoria: 15 minutes, Northern and Victoria lines.
Clapham South to Westminster: 18 minutes, Northern, Victoria, and Jubilee lines.
Clapham South to Cannon Street: 25 minutes, Northern line.
Bus:
Clapham South to Brixton: 30 minutes, routes 35, 37, or 690.
Clapham South to Battersea Park: 25 minutes routes 156, or 155 and 137.
Train:
The nearest Overground station is Clapham High Street, which is a 20-minute walk or a 15 minute bus journey from Clapham south (route 155).
Schools
A good local primary school is Bonneville Primary, which has been praised for providing good support for children with special educational needs, and providing a happy, safe, and caring school environment. Secondary schools near the area include Lambeth Academy, which is a state funded academy providing education for students aged 11 to 19. A local option for private education for ages 10 to 18 is Emanuel Independent School, a Church of England school with a long and distinguished history of providing education, dating back to 1594.
Average Rental Price
1 bed: £1,563 pcm
2 bed: £2,055 pcm
3 bed: £2,642 pcm
4 bed: £3,341 pcm
Home.co.uk 30th October 2019.
Council Tax
To be paid to the London Borough of Lambeth Council, find more information here.
Life in Clapham South
Most leisurely activities enjoyed by the locals are done so in the common, and so it provides a backdrop for much of life in the area. The summer is when the common most comes to life. Whether the annual music festivals are on or not, there’s rarely a moment when the sun’s out and there aren't any crowds of people dotted around the grass enjoying it. Balham Hill provides most of the amenities for the area, but locals can also visit Abbeville Road for more upmarket options for food and drinks.
Culture and Leisure
Clapham Common
The common is a great resource for locals, providing a lush open space for dog walking, among many other things. There are a range of sporting facilities, including for fishing, skateboarding, bowling, cricket, football, and running. In the summer, it’s often packed with people lounging on the grass, having a good time, and there are a couple of annual festivals held there that host big name acts.
Clapham South Subterranean Shelter: The Rotunda
Built as an air raid shelter fit to house 8,000 people, the Rotunda is a great piece of hidden history in Clapham. It had been derelict for a number of years, but work has since begun to repurpose it as a museum dedicated to the history of London during the second world war. The ominous entrance to the deep-level shelter can still be seen in the common.
Balham Hill (local High Street)
Living in Clapham South, you’re likely to spend a fair amount of time on Balham Hill, on which there are three different supermarkets, plenty of cafes, independent, and chain businesses. It’s a good high street that won’t tend to get too busy and provides all of the everyday essentials, as well as a few spots for relaxing.
Food and Drink
The Common Room
Often cited as the best breakfast in town, the Common Room will likely to become a favourite if you’re a fan of classic English décor and breakfast. They pride themselves on using good quality ingredients and never skimping out on portion sizes. The service there is prompt and there are vegan and gluten free options available.
Your best bet for great quality Italian cuisine in Clapham South, Osteria Toscana is a family run restaurant on Abbeville road. Providing classics such as lobster tagliatelle, it’s a simply decorated, wholesome restaurant. It's great for a celebration meal, and also has great coffee for a quick stop off.
A local favourite for Sunday roast and that cosy, British pub atmosphere. They also have a large screen playing all the big games for sports fans, and a large selection of artisan spirits and craft beers for alcohol fans. They also welcome children (up until 8pm) and provide a great value kids options on their menu.
Is it for you?
Clapham South really isn’t far away from the action, but certainly isn’t the bustle of the city centre. The area is well suited for families, but also young professionals looking for a great spot just out of the city.
